The History of Chanel

Defying Convention, Constantly.

If you’ve never owned a Chanel product then you probably own something inspired by her.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is an icon of the fashion world.

Rejecting the norms of her days, she used her vision to give women a new way to portray themselves by liberating them from the shackles of fashion at the time.

Coco is credited with being responsible for numerous revolutions and, to this day, Chanel continues to honour their founder by pushing the limits of fashion. 

In this spotlight, we’ll unravel the story of Chanel. 

La Maison de Chanel

Born in 1883, Gabrielle Chanel grew up as an orphan where she learnt how to sow and gained experience working as a seamstress.

It was not until 1910 that Chanel opened her first shop at 21 Rue Cambon in Paris under the name ‘Chanel Modes’. 

Her designs attracted the attention of some of France’s most famous actresses which led to her designs being copied across all of Paris.

With this new exposure, Chanel moved onto new ventures by opening a boutique and two couture shops in the space of 8 years!

Now becoming a household name, Chanel unleashed an array of designs and products that still inspire fashion today.

Iconic Chanel Products

To chronicle Chanel’s impact on fashion, you’d need an entire museum!

With their own place in history, Chanel has played such a central role in pushing the boundaries of Haute Couture and femininity. 

LBD (Little Black Dress) – 1926

Image Via – marieclaire

Did you know Chanel pioneered this?

The impact of the LBD is difficult to describe but to give you an insight: 

“When a little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in its place.” – Wallis Simpson, The Duchess of Windsor.

Praised for its simplicity, it became a must-have for women the world over.

Chanel N°5 Perfume – 1921

Image Via – Chanel

Created by Ernest Beaux, the N°5 is one of the most famous fragrances in the world. 

Released in the ’20s, it became a symbol of femininity.

Did you know that the name given to this perfume was inspired by the fact it was the fifth scent presented to Chanel?

Chanel 2.55 bag – 1955

Image Via – Catawiki

Before the creation of the revolutionary 2.55 bag, Chanel took a hiatus from fashion.

One of the inspirations behind her return was the state of fashion at the time. 

The 2.55 bag was a breakthrough and is one of the most famous bags in the world.

What made this bag so famous was the fact that it had a strap which freed the wearer. The bag was quilted and named after the date of its creation in 1955.

You can find these bags and more in auction.

Chanel at Fashion Week

Chanel makes waves outside of the workshop as well.

Fashion Week is a time where designers present their collection for the upcoming season.

Chanel also use fashion week to create spectacles.

From casinos and waterfalls to jumbo jets, they don’t do things by halves.

Final Words

The legacy of Chanel is one for the history books. 

Chanel was once said: “May my legend prosper and thrive. I wish it a long and happy life.”  

She passed away in 1971 with a contribution to women’s fashion that’s second to none. 

Her maison has gone on to become one of the most iconic fashion houses in the world and continue to embrace femininity and define fashion.

We hope you enjoyed this article as much as we did. Hit the comments and let us know your thoughts on Chanel.  

Explore our collection of Chanel pieces available in auction by clicking the link below!

To quote the icon again: “fashion passes, style remains.”